Pressure Sensitive Shrink Label

ABSTRACT

A label for application to a surface having at least one compound curve is provided. The label comprises a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/237,737 filed Sep. 25, 2008, which is a Continuation-In-Part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US08/59397 filed Apr. 4, 2008, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 60/910,282 filed Apr. 5, 2007 and 60/938,019 filed May 15, 2007. The entire disclosures of all of the mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to pressure sensitive shrink labels. More specifically, the invention relates to pressure sensitive labels that have superior conformability to containers having complex shapes and methods for applying such labels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common practice to apply labels to containers or bottles to provide information such as the supplier of the container or the contents of the container. Such containers and bottles are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes for holding many different types of materials such as detergents, chemicals, personal care products, motor oil, beverages, etc.

Polymeric film materials and film facestocks have been described for use as labels in various fields. Polymeric labels are increasingly desired for many applications, particularly clear polymeric labels since they provide a no-label look to decorated glass and plastic containers. Paper labels block the visibility of the container and/or the contents in the container. Clear polymeric labels enhance the visual aesthetics of the container, and therefore the product, and are growing much faster than paper labels in the package decoration market as consumer product companies are continuously trying to upgrade the appearance of their products. Polymeric film labels also have superior mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

Traditional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) labels often have difficulty adhering smoothly to containers having curved surfaces and/or complex shapes without wrinkling, darting or lifting on the curved surfaces. The label size of typical PSA labels is limited to no larger than ¼ inch (6.35 mm) away from the edge (beginning) of curvature of a container or article. Shrink sleeve labels have typically been used on these types of compound containers. Labeling operations are carried out using processes and methods that require the formation of a tube or sleeve of the heat shrink film that is placed over the container and heated in order to shrink the film to conform to the size and shape of the container. Alternatively, the containers are completely wrapped with a shrink label using a process wherein the shrink film is applied to the container directly from a continuous roll of film material and then heat is applied to conform the wrapped label to the container. However, label defects can occur during labeling operations of simple or compound shaped bottles during application or in post application processes. These misapplied labels result in high scrap or extra processing steps that can be costly.

The present invention provides a pressure sensitive adhesive label that can be applied to containers and articles on complex shapes and compound curves with less material required and less cost than for shrink sleeve or shrink wrap labels. In addition, the labels of the present invention enable the user to expand the billboard or graphics region of traditional pressure sensitive labels on containers and articles having complex shapes and/or compound curves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A label for application on a curved or nonplanar surface comprising a heat shrink film and a pressure sensitive adhesive is provided. In one embodiment, there is provided a pressure sensitive adhesive label for application on a surface having at least one compound curve, the label comprising: a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface, and a machine direction and a transverse direction, the film having an ultimate shrinkage S in at least one direction of at least 10% at 90° C., wherein the shrinkage in the other direction is S±20%; and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film. The shrink film has moderate and balanced shrink in both the machine direction and the transverse direction. In one embodiment, the film has an ultimate shrinkage S in at least one direction of at least 10% at 90° C., and the shrinkage in the other direction is S±10%. The label may further include a release liner removal adhered to the adhesive layer.

There is also provided an article bearing a label comprising: an article having a surface comprising at least one compound curve; and a pressure sensitive label comprising a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface, and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film, wherein the label is applied to at least one compound curve.

A method of applying a label to an article wherein the article has a surface having at least one compound curve is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing an article having a surface comprising at least one compound curve; (b) providing a label comprising (i) a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface and (ii) a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film, wherein the label has a central portion and a peripheral portion; (c) contacting the adhesive layer of the central portion of the label with the article; (d) applying pressure to the label in an outward direction from the central portion to the peripheral portion, wherein at least a portion of the label is applied to at least one compound curve of the article; and (e) applying heat to at least a portion of the label to shrink at least that portion of the label and adhere the label to the article. After or during the application of heat, the label may be further compressed or wiped down to fully adhere the label to the article and eliminate any remaining defects in the label.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of applying a label to an article, the method including the steps of: providing an article having a surface including at least one compound curve; providing a label including (i) a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and an outer surface; and (ii) a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film, wherein the label has a first edge and a contact region; contacting the adhesive layer in the contact region with the article; applying heat and pressure simultaneously to the label in a direction from the contact region to the first edge such that the first edge of the label adheres to article and the label shrinks to conform to the compound curve of the article, wherein the heat and pressure are applied by a heated conformable membrane.

The heated and pressure is applied to the label, in one embodiment, by a walking beam that includes a conformable heated bladder. The heated bladder may be expandable.

In another embodiment, heat and pressure are applied by a walking beam that includes a heated cavity wherein the shape of the cavity corresponds to the shape of the article to which the label is applied.

In one embodiment, heat and pressure are applied by a walking beam that includes a flexible heated membrane suspended between at least two frame members. The heated membrane may be porous or non-porous. The porous membrane may include a mesh screen.

In yet another embodiment, heat and pressure are applied by a walking beam that includes a flexible heated membrane mounted to a rectangular frame. The walking beam may alternatively include a flexible heated membrane mounted to a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the article to which the label is applied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a container to which the label of the present invention has been applied as compared to prior art pressure sensitive labels.

FIG. 2A to 2D illustrates the labeled container before and after the application of heat to the label.

FIG. 3A to 3D illustrate embodiments of containers having complex shapes and compound curves to which the label of the present invention is applied.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front views of embodiments of containers having irregular surfaces.

FIG. 5 is a three dimensional view of a portion of a labeled article having a compound curve.

FIGS. 6A-6D schematically illustrate the process of applying the label to an article having a compound curve.

FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate an embodiment of the process of applying a label to an article wherein a walking beam is used.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a walking beam conveyor having a heated bladder.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a schematic views of a heated cavity containment box of a walking beam conveyor.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a walking beam conveyor arm having a draped flexible membrane.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views of a rectangular framed containment box of a walking beam conveyor having a heated membrane.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic views of a framed containment box of a walking beam conveyor having a heated membrane, wherein the shape of the frame corresponds to the shape of the article to be labeled.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a walking beam conveyor having a porous membrane.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are side views of a walking beam containment box including an expandable bladder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Pressure sensitive adhesive labels are provided that can improve the appearance of labeled containers and articles by conforming to the contours of the container or article and by providing an enlarged billboard appearance. End users and product designers must currently alter their designs to accommodate the limitations of traditional product decorating technologies. The labels of the present invention provide the designers with more freedom in product designs to create more shelf appeal and to carry more information.

Containers and articles with compound curves typically have to be fully wrapped with shrink film in order to label or decorate the article. The labels of the present invention are capable of expanding the label over complex curves without having to fully wrap the article. This partial label coverage impacts the product cost as well as the product appearance. Typical pressure sensitive labels cannot be applied to containers and articles without undesirable darting and wrinkling of the label. “Darting” is defined as the accumulation of excess label material that rises up away from the article to which the label is applied.

The labels of the present invention provide significant processing advantages over traditional shrink labels. For example, the pressure sensitive shrink labels of the present invention allow for more traditional printing and secondary processes such as foils and hot stamping. Where typical shrink labels must be subsurface printed, the labels of the present invention can be surface printed, which enhances the color quality, sharpness and texture of the printed image. The label film may be printed by water flexographic, UV flexographic, UV letterpress, UV screen, solvent gravure and hot foil stamp.

The pressure sensitive labels comprise (a) a heat shrinkable polymeric film having an inner surface and an outer surface and a machine direction and a transverse direction; and (b) a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film. The shrinkage of the heat shrinkable polymeric film is balanced in the machine direction and the transverse direction. In at least one direction, the ultimate shrinkage (S) is at least 10% at 90° C. and in the other direction, the shrinkage is S±20%. As an illustration of balanced shrinkage, if the shrinkage in the machine direction is 40% at 105° C., then the shrinkage in the transverse direction is 40%±20%, or within the range of 20% to 60% at 105° C. In one embodiment, the ultimate shrinkage (S) is at least 10% at 90° C. and in the other direction, the shrinkage is S±10%. As used herein, the term “ultimate shrinkage” means the maximum shrinkage the film is capable of achieving at a particular shrink temperature, as measured by ASTM Method D 1204.

The labels are not provided as a shrink sleeve or tube that encapsulates the entire article or as a shrink wrap label that wraps around the article and forms a seam wherein the ends of the label meet. The present labels may be provided in a variety of shapes to suit the article or container to which they are applied, giving the container designer greater latitude in container configuration and label design than with traditional pressure sensitive labels or with shrink wrap or shrink sleeve labels. The labels may be cut into the desired shape by any known method, including, for example, die cutting and laser cutting. In one embodiment, the label is die cut to a specific configuration that compensates for the shrinkage of the label and the shape of the article to which it is applied.

Because the label is conformable, the billboard or graphics area of the labeled container can be extended further onto the container edges and onto compound curved areas of the container. The label may be 10% to 30% larger than a standard PSA label. As used herein, the term “compound curve” means a surface having no direction for which there is no curvature. For example, the surface of a sphere or the surface of an ellipsoid has curvature in every direction, and therefore has compound curves. A cylinder, on the other hand, has a surface for which there is at least one direction for which there is no curvature. Thus, a simple cylinder does not have compound curves.

FIG. 1 illustrates the expanded billboard area of the pressure sensitive shrink label of the present invention. Bottle 10 has pressure sensitive shrink label 12 adhered thereto. The dashed line 14 indicates the outer boundary of standard pressure sensitive labels. A standard (i.e., non-shrink) pressure sensitive label cannot extend onto the areas of the bottle having the compound curves 16 (the area between the inner dashed line and the outer solid line). When label 12 is initially applied to the bottle 10, darts and pleats may form near the perimeter of the label in the areas of the bottle having compound curves 16.

Once the pressure sensitive label is applied to the container, heat is applied as needed to eliminate any label application defects such as darts, edge lift and wrinkles. In one embodiment, pressure and/or wipe down may be used in addition to the application of heat to eliminate any defects.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, the present label and method for applying the label are illustrated. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, a label 12 that includes a shrink film having a continuous layer of pressure sensitive adhesive applied thereto is applied to a container 10 having compound curves around the circumference of the container, and then wiped down. No heat is applied to the label. The label 12 extends onto the compound curves 16 where darts 18 are formed near the perimeter 20 of the label. FIGS. 2C and 2D show the labeled container of FIGS. 2A-2B after heat is applied to the label. The darts 18 have been eliminated and the label 12 conforms to the compound curves of the container 10 near the label perimeter 20 without any defects.

The article or container to which the label is applied can be provided in a variety of forms or shapes. Non-limiting examples of suitable articles include containers with and without closures, trays, lids, toys, appliances, etc. The article or container may be made of any conventional polymer, glass, or metal such as aluminum. Examples of suitable polymeric materials include high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, nylon, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polystyrene, etc. The article or container can be made by a number of various processes known in the art, such as blow molding, injection molding, thermoforming, rotational molding and the like.

Useful containers include, for example, a bottle having a closure on the top of the bottle, an upside down bottle having a closure on the bottom of the bottle, a bottle with a pump dispenser or a foaming dispenser, a tube with a closure and a tottle with a closure.

The container or article may have a transparent appearance. In one embodiment, the container or article has a translucent appearance. The translucent appearance can be achieved by, for example, treatments of the transparent container or article, the addition of ingredients such as dyes and pearlescent agents to base polymers, the use of polypropylene and/or polyethylene that are mixed with clarifying agents. The treatments include, for example, spray coating, sandblasting, and mold surface treatment.

The container or article may include aesthetic features, including, for example, textures, embossing, lenticular lens, colors, holograms, frosted or matte color, etc. The surface of the container or article may be treated prior to application of the label. For example, the surface of the container or article may be flame treated or a primer coating may be applied.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C each illustrate a container having a complex shape and compound curves. FIG. 3A is a front view of a container 30 a having a symmetrical, spherical shape wherein the container has a tapered concave area 32 at the top and a wider convex area 33 toward the bottom. Typically, a shrink sleeve would be used to provide a functional label for this container. With the present invention, a pressure sensitive shrink label 31 can be smoothly applied to container 30 a without the appearance of label defects. FIG. 3B is a front view of a container 30 b having an asymmetrical shape wherein one side of the container has both a concave area 34 and a convex area 35 and the opposing side curves in a substantially similar manner along the length of the container. The conventional method of labeling container 30 b would be to apply a shrink sleeve label to conform to the complex shape of the container. A pressure sensitive shrink label 31 can be applied to the container 30 b to provide sufficient billboard area with much less label material. FIG. 3C is a front view of a container 30 c that is an upside down bottle having a closure 36 at the bottom and label 31 applied to the front surface. FIG. 3D is a side view of container 30 c. The areas 37 within the dashed lines indicate the outer boundaries of standard pressure sensitive labels that can be applied to the container. The complex shape of this container requires two separate standard pressure sensitive labels to decorate the container, as the application of one continuous standard pressure sensitive label would result in the formation of darts and pleat defects. Pressure sensitive shrink label 31 can cover a much larger area, which provides more design options for the product designer.

FIGS. 4A and 4B each illustrate a container having an irregular surface. FIG. 4A is a front view of a container 40 a having raised ridges 42 along one side of the container. The opposing side of the container has a smooth surface. FIG. 4B is a front view of a container 40 b having circumferentially recessed rings 43 along the length of the container. It should be noted that cylindrically shaped articles having areas of compound curves such as containers 40 a and 40 b are not excluded from the articles claimed herein.

FIG. 5 is a schematic three dimensional view of a portion of a container to which the label has been applied. The container 50 has surface comprising a compound curve. Label 52 is applied to the container and covers a portion of the compound curved area. Line 54 indicates the outer boundary to which typical pressure sensitive labels can be applied with out the formation of defects in the label. Area 56 indicates the expanded billboard area that is obtainable with the present labels without the formation of defects such wrinkles, edge lift or darts.

Shrink Film

The polymeric films useful in the label constructions of the present invention possess balanced shrink properties. The balanced shrink properties allow the film to tighten darts and wrinkles initially formed in the label when the label is applied over curved surfaces and allow the darts and wrinkles to be wiped down with minimal graphics distortion of the label. Films having unbalanced shrink, that is, films having a high degree of shrink in one direction and low to moderate shrink in the other direction are not particularly useful because while darts may be removed in one direction, in the other direction the formation of darts is exacerbated. Useful films having balanced shrink allow for a wider variety of label shapes to be applied to a wider variety of container shapes.

In one embodiment, the polymeric film has an ultimate shrinkage (S) as measured by ASTM procedure D1204 in at least one direction of at least 10% at 90° C. and in the other direction, the shrinkage is S±20%. In another embodiment, the film has an ultimate shrinkage (S) in at least one direction of about 10% to about 50% at 70° C. and in the other direction, the shrinkage is S±20%. In one embodiment, the ultimate shrinkage (S) is at least 10% at 90° C. and in the other direction, the shrinkage is S±10%. The shrink initiation temperature of the film, in one embodiment, is in the range of about 60° C. to about 80° C.

The shrink film must be thermally shrinkable and yet have sufficient stiffness to be dispensed using conventional labeling equipment and processes, including printing, die-cutting and label transfer. The stiffness of the film required depends on the size of the label, the speed of application and the labeling equipment being used. In one embodiment, the shrink film has a stiffness in the machine direction (MD) of at least 5 mN, as measured by the L&W Bending Resistance test. In one embodiment, the shrink film has a stiffness of at least 10 mN, or at least 20 mN. The stiffness of the shrink film is important for proper dispensing of labels over a peel plate at higher line speeds.

In one embodiment, the die-cut labels are applied to the article or container in an automated labeling line process at a line speed of at least 100 units per minute, or at least 250 units per minute or at least 500 units per minute.

In one embodiment, the shrink film has a 2% secant modulus as measured by ASTM D882 in the machine direction (MD) of about 20,000 to about 400,000 psi, and in the transverse (or cross) direction (TD) of about 20,000 to about 400,000 psi. In another embodiment, the 2% secant modulus of the film is about 30,000 to about 300,000 in the machine direction and about 30,000 to about 300,000 in the transverse direction. The film may have a lower modulus in the transverse direction than in the machine direction so that the label is easily dispensed (MD) while maintaining sufficiently low modulus in the TD for conformability and/or squeezability.

The polymeric film may be made by conventional processes. For example, the film may be produced using a double bubble process, tenter process or may comprise a blown film.

The shrink film useful in the label may be a single layer construction or a multilayer construction. The layer or layers of the shrink film may be formed from a polymer chosen from polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, copolymers and blends thereof.

Polyolefins comprise homopolymers or copolymers of olefins that are aliphatic hydrocarbons having one or more carbon to carbon double bonds. Olefins include alkenes that comprise 1-alkenes, also known as alpha-olefins, such as 1-butene and internal alkenes having the carbon to carbon double bond on nonterminal carbon atoms of the carbon chain, such as 2-butene, cyclic olefins having one or more carbon to carbon double bonds, such as cyclohexene and norbornadiene, and cyclic polyenes which are noncyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons having two or more carbon to carbon double bonds, such as 1,4-butadiene and isoprene. Polyolefins comprise alkene homopolymers from a single alkene monomer, such as a polypropylene homopolymer, alkene copolymers from at least one alkene monomer and one or more additional olefin monomers where the first listed alkene is the major constituent of the copolymer, such as a propylene-ethylene copolymer and a propylene-ethylene-butadiene copolymer, cyclic olefin homopolymers from a single cyclic olefin monomer, and cyclic olefin copolymers from at least one cyclic olefin monomer and one or more additional olefin monomers wherein the first listed cyclic olefin is the major constituent of the copolymer, and mixtures of any of the foregoing olefin polymers.

In one embodiment, the shrink film is a multilayer film comprising a core layer and at least one skin layer. The skin layer may be a printable skin layer. In one embodiment, the multilayer shrink film comprises a core and two skin layers, wherein in at least one skin layer is printable. The multilayer shrink film may be a coextruded film.

The film can range in thickness from 0.5-20, or 0.5-12, or 0.5-8, or 1-3 mils. The difference in the layers of the film can include a difference in thermoplastic polymer components, in additive components, in orientation, in thickness, or a combination thereof. The thickness of the core layer can be 50-95%, or 60-95% or 70-90% of the thickness of the film. The thickness of a skin layer or of a combination of two skin layers can be 5-50%, or 5-40% or 10-30% of the thickness of the film.

The film can be further treated on one surface or both the upper and lower surfaces to enhance performance in terms of printability or adhesion to an adhesive. The treatment can comprise applying a surface coating such as, for example, a lacquer, applying a high energy discharge to include a corona discharge to a surface, applying a flame treatment to a surface, or a combination of any of the foregoing treatments. In an embodiment of the invention, the film is treated on both surfaces, and in another embodiment the film is treated on one surface with a corona discharge and is flame treated on the other surface.

The layers of the shrink film may contain pigments, fillers, stabilizers, light protective agents or other suitable modifying agents if desired. The film may also contain anti-block, slip additives and anti-static agents. Useful anti-block agents include inorganic particles, such as clays, talc, calcium carbonate and glass. Slip additives useful in the present invention include polysiloxanes, waxes, fatty amides, fatty acids, metal soaps and particulate such as silica, synthetic amorphous silica and polytetrafluoroethylene powder. Anti-static agents useful in the present invention include alkali metal sulfonates, polyether-modified polydiorganosiloxanes, polyalkylphenylsiloxanes and tertiary amines.

In one embodiment, the shrink film is microperforated to allow trapped air to be released from the interface between the label and the article to which it is adhered. In another embodiment, the shrink film is permeable to allow fluid to escape from the adhesive or from the surface of the article to escape. In one embodiment, vent holes or slits are provided in the shrink film

Adhesives

A description of useful pressure sensitive adhesives may be found in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 13, Wiley-Interscience Publishers (New York, 1988). Additional description of useful PSAs may be found in Polymer Science and Technology, Vol. 1, Interscience Publishers (New York, 1964). Conventional PSAs, including acrylic-based PSAs, rubber-based PSAs and silicone-based PSAs are useful. The PSA may be a solvent based or may be a water based adhesive. Hot melt adhesives may also be used. In one embodiment, the PSA comprises an acrylic emulsion adhesive.

The adhesive and the side of the film to which the adhesive is applied have sufficient compatibility to enable good adhesive anchorage. In one embodiment, the adhesive is chosen so that the labels may be cleanly removed from PET containers up to 24 hours after application. The adhesive is also chosen so that the adhesive components do not migrate into the film.

In one embodiment, the adhesive may be formed from an acrylic based polymer. It is contemplated that any acrylic based polymer capable of forming an adhesive layer with sufficient tack to adhere to a substrate may function in the present invention. In certain embodiments, the acrylic polymers for the pressure-sensitive adhesive layers include those formed from polymerization of at least one alkyl acrylate monomer containing from about 4 to about 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, and present in an amount from about 35-95% by weight of the polymer or copolymer, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,532. Optionally, the acrylic based pressure-sensitive adhesive might be formed from a single polymeric species.

The glass transition temperature of a PSA layer comprising acrylic polymers can be varied by adjusting the amount of polar, or “hard monomers”, in the copolymer, as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,532, incorporated herein by reference. The greater the percentage by weight of hard monomers is an acrylic copolymer, the higher the glass transition temperature. Hard monomers contemplated useful for the present invention include vinyl esters, carboxylic acids, and methacrylates, in concentrations by weight ranging from about zero to about thirty-five percent by weight of the polymer.

The PSA can be acrylic based such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,444 (acrylic emulsion), U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,011 (tackified acrylic emulsion) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,982. The adhesive can also be rubber-based such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,551 (rubber hot melt). It can also be radiation curable mixture of monomers with initiators and other ingredients such as those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,958 (UV cured acrylic) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,958 (EB cured). The disclosures of these patents as they relate to acrylic adhesives are hereby incorporated by reference.

Commercially available PSAs are useful in the invention. Examples of these adhesives include the hot melt PSAs available from H.B. Fuller Company, St. Paul, Minn. as HM-1597, HL-2207-X, HL-2115-X, HL-2193-X. Other useful commercially available PSAs include those available from Century Adhesives Corporation, Columbus, Ohio. Another useful acrylic PSA comprises a blend of emulsion polymer particles with dispersion tackifier particles as generally described in Example 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,982. The polymer is made by emulsion polymerization of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, dioctyl maleate, and acrylic and methacrylic comonomers as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,444 resulting in the latex particle size of about 0.2 microns in weight average diameters and a gel content of about 60%.

A commercial example of a hot melt adhesive is H2187-01, sold by Ato Findley, Inc., of Wauwatusa, Wis. In addition, rubber based block copolymer PSAs described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,239,478 also can be utilized in the adhesive constructions of the present invention, and this patent is hereby incorporated by a reference for its disclosure of such hot melt adhesives that are described more fully below.

In another embodiment, the pressure-sensitive adhesive comprises rubber based elastomer materials containing useful rubber based elastomer materials include linear, branched, grafted, or radial block copolymers represented by the diblock structure A-B, the triblock A-B-A, the radial or coupled structures (A-B)_(n), and combinations of these where A represents a hard thermoplastic phase or block which is non-rubbery or glassy or crystalline at room temperature but fluid at higher temperatures, and B represents a soft block which is rubbery or elastomeric at service or room temperature. These thermoplastic elastomers may comprise from about 75% to about 95% by weight of rubbery segments and from about 5% to about 25% by weight of non-rubbery segments.

The non-rubbery segments or hard blocks comprise polymers of mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and more particularly vinyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons that may be monocyclic or bicyclic in nature. Rubbery materials such as polyisoprene, polybutadiene, and styrene butadiene rubbers may be used to form the rubbery block or segment. Particularly useful rubbery segments include polydienes and saturated olefin rubbers of ethylene/butylene or ethylene/propylene copolymers. The latter rubbers may be obtained from the corresponding unsaturated polyalkylene moieties such as polybutadiene and polyisoprene by hydrogenation thereof.

The block copolymers of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons and conjugated dienes that may be utilized include any of those that exhibit elastomeric properties. The block copolymers may be diblock, triblock, multiblock, starblock, polyblock or graftblock copolymers. Throughout this specification, the terms diblock, triblock, multiblock, polyblock, and graft or grafted-block with respect to the structural features of block copolymers are to be given their normal meaning as defined in the literature such as in the Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 2, (1985) John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, pp. 325-326, and by J. E. McGrath in Block Copolymers, Science Technology, Dale J. Meier, Ed., Harwood Academic Publishers, 1979, at pages 1-5.

Such block copolymers may contain various ratios of conjugated dienes to vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons including those containing up to about 40% by weight of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. Accordingly, multi-block copolymers may be utilized which are linear or radial symmetric or asymmetric and which have structures represented by the formulae A-B, A-B-A, A-B-A-B, B-A-B, (AB)_(0, 1, 2 . . .) BA, etc., wherein A is a polymer block of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon or a conjugated diene/vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon tapered copolymer block, and B is a rubbery polymer block of a conjugated diene.

The block copolymers may be prepared by any of the well-known block polymerization or copolymerization procedures including sequential addition of monomer, incremental addition of monomer, or coupling techniques as illustrated in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,251,905; 3,390,207; 3,598,887; and 4,219,627. As well known, tapered copolymer blocks can be incorporated in the multi-block copolymers by copolymerizing a mixture of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomers utilizing the difference in their copolymerization reactivity rates. Various patents describe the preparation of multi-block copolymers containing tapered copolymer blocks including U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,251,905; 3,639,521; and 4,208,356, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Conjugated dienes that may be utilized to prepare the polymers and copolymers are those containing from 4 to about 10 carbon atoms and more generally, from 4 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include from 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene(isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, chloroprene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, etc. Mixtures of these conjugated dienes also may be used.

Examples of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons which may be utilized to prepare the copolymers include styrene and the various substituted styrenes such as o-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene, 1,3-dimethylstyrene, alpha-methylstyrene, beta-methylstyrene, p-isopropylstyrene, 2,3-dimethylstyrene, o-chlorostyrene, p-chlorostyrene, o-bromostyrene, 2-chloro-4-methylstyrene, etc.

Many of the above-described copolymers of conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatic compounds are commercially available. The number average molecular weight of the block copolymers, prior to hydrogenation, is from about 20,000 to about 500,000, or from about 40,000 to about 300,000.

The average molecular weights of the individual blocks within the copolymers may vary within certain limits. In most instances, the vinyl aromatic block will have a number average molecular weight in the order of about 2000 to about 125,000, or between about 4000 and 60,000. The conjugated diene blocks either before or after hydrogenation will have number average molecular weights in the order of about 10,000 to about 450,000, or from about 35,000 to 150,000.

Also, prior to hydrogenation, the vinyl content of the conjugated diene portion generally is from about 10% to about 80%, or from about 25% to about 65%, particularly 35% to 55% when it is desired that the modified block copolymer exhibit rubbery elasticity. The vinyl content of the block copolymer can be measured by means of nuclear magnetic resonance.

Specific examples of diblock copolymers include styrene-butadiene (SB), styrene-isoprene (SI), and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof. Examples of triblock polymers include styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), alpha-methylstyrene-butadiene-alpha-methylstyrene, and alpha-methylstyrene-isoprene alpha-methylstyrene. Examples of commercially available block copolymers useful as the adhesives in the present invention include those available from Kraton Polymers LLC under the KRATON trade name.

Upon hydrogenation of the SBS copolymers comprising a rubbery segment of a mixture of 1,4 and 1,2 isomers, a styrene-ethylene-butylene styrene (SEBS) block copolymer is obtained. Similarly, hydrogenation of an SIS polymer yields a styrene-ethylene propylene-styrene (SEPS) block copolymer.

The selective hydrogenation of the block copolymers may be carried out by a variety of well known processes including hydrogenation in the presence of such catalysts as Raney nickel, noble metals such as platinum, palladium, etc., and soluble transition metal catalysts. Suitable hydrogenation processes which can be used are those wherein the diene-containing polymer or copolymer is dissolved in an inert hydrocarbon diluent such as cyclohexane and hydrogenated by reaction with hydrogen in the presence of a soluble hydrogenation catalyst. Such procedures are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,113,986 and 4,226,952, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Such hydrogenation of the block copolymers which are carried out in a manner and to extent as to produce selectively hydrogenated copolymers having a residual unsaturation content in the polydiene block of from about 0.5% to about 20% of their original unsaturation content prior to hydrogenation.

In one embodiment, the conjugated diene portion of the block copolymer is at least 90% saturated and more often at least 95% saturated while the vinyl aromatic portion is not significantly hydrogenated. Particularly useful hydrogenated block copolymers are hydrogenated products of the block copolymers of styreneisoprene-styrene such as a styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene block polymer. When a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene block copolymer is hydrogenated, it is desirable that the 1,2-polybutadiene to 1,4-polybutadiene ratio in the polymer is from about 30:70 to about 70:30. When such a block copolymer is hydrogenated, the resulting product resembles a regular copolymer block of ethylene and 1-butene (EB). As noted above, when the conjugated diene employed as isoprene, the resulting hydrogenated product resembles a regular copolymer block of ethylene and propylene (EP).

A number of selectively hydrogenated block copolymers are available commercially from Kraton Polymers under the general trade designation “Kraton G.” One example is Kraton G1652 which is a hydrogenated SBS triblock comprising about 30% by weight of styrene end blocks and a midblock which is a copolymer of ethylene and 1-butene (EB). A lower molecular weight version of G1652 is available under the designation Kraton G1650. Kraton G1651 is another SEBS block copolymer which contains about 33% by weight of styrene. Kraton G1657 is an SEBS diblock copolymer which contains about 13% w styrene. This styrene content is lower than the styrene content in Kraton G1650 and Kraton G1652.

In another embodiment, the selectively hydrogenated block copolymer is of the formula:

B_(n)(AB)_(o)A_(p)

wherein n=0 or 1; o is 1 to 100; p is 0 or 1; each B prior to hydrogenation is predominantly a polymerized conjugated diene hydrocarbon block having a number average molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 450,000; each A is predominantly a polymerized vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block having a number average molecular weight of from about 2000 to about 115,000; the blocks of A constituting about 5% to about 95% by weight of the copolymer; and the unsaturation of the block B is less than about 10% of the original unsaturation. In other embodiments, the unsaturation of block B is reduced upon hydrogenation to less than 5% of its original value, and the average unsaturation of the hydrogenated block copolymer is reduced to less than 20% of its original value.

The block copolymers may also include functionalized polymers such as may be obtained by reacting an alpha, beta-olefinically unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid reagent onto selectively hydrogenated block copolymers of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons and conjugated dienes as described above. The reaction of the carboxylic acid reagent in the graft block copolymer can be effected in solutions or by a melt process in the presence of a free radical initiator.

The preparation of various selectively hydrogenated block copolymers of conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons which have been grafted with a carboxylic acid reagent is described in a number of patents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,578,429; 4,657,970; and 4,795,782, and the disclosures of these patents relating to grafted selectively hydrogenated block copolymers of conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatic compounds, and the preparation of such compounds are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,782 describes and gives examples of the preparation of the grafted block copolymers by the solution process and the melt process. U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,429 contains an example of grafting of Kraton G1652 (SEBS) polymer with maleic anhydride with 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy) hexane by a melt reaction in a twin screw extruder.

Examples of commercially available maleated selectively hydrogenated copolymers of styrene and butadiene include Kraton FG1901X, FG1921X, and FG1924X, often referred to as maleated selectively hydrogenated SEBS copolymers. FG1901X contains about 1.7% w bound functionality as succinic anhydride and about 28% w of styrene. FG1921X contains about 1% w of bound functionality as succinic anhydride and 29% w of styrene. FG1924X contains about 13% styrene and about 1% bound functionality as succinic anhydride.

Useful block copolymers also are available from Nippon Zeon Co., 2-1, Marunochi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan. For example, Quintac 3530 is available from Nippon Zeon and is believed to be a linear styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer.

Unsaturated elastomeric polymers and other polymers and copolymers which are not inherently tacky can be rendered tacky when compounded with an external tackifier. Tackifiers, are generally hydrocarbon resins, wood resins, rosins, rosin derivatives, and the like, which when present in concentrations ranging from about 40% to about 90% by weight of the total adhesive composition, or from about 45% to about 85% by weight, impart pressure-sensitive adhesive characteristics to the elastomeric polymer adhesive formulation. Compositions containing less than about 40% by weight of tackifier additive do not generally show sufficient “quickstick,” or initial adhesion, to function as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and therefore are not inherently tacky. Compositions with too high a concentration of tackifying additive, on the other hand, generally show too little cohesive strength to work properly in most intended use applications of constructions made in accordance with the instant invention.

It is contemplated that any tackifier known by those of skill in the art to be compatible with elastomeric polymer compositions may be used with the present embodiment of the invention. One such tackifier, found useful is Wingtak 10, a synthetic polyterpene resin that is liquid at room temperature, and sold by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio. Wingtak 95 is a synthetic tackifier resin also available from Goodyear that comprises predominantly a polymer derived from piperylene and isoprene. Other suitable tackifying additives may include Escorez 1310, an aliphatic hydrocarbon resin, and Escorez 2596, a C₅-C₉ (aromatic modified aliphatic) resin, both manufactured by Exxon of Irving, Tex. Of course, as can be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a variety of different tackifying additives may be used to practice the present invention.

In addition to the tackifiers, other additives may be included in the PSAs to impart desired properties. For example, plasticizers may be included, and they are known to decrease the glass transition temperature of an adhesive composition containing elastomeric polymers. An example of a useful plasticizer is Shellflex 371, a naphthenic processing oil available from Shell Lubricants of Texas. Antioxidants also may be included on the adhesive compositions. Suitable antioxidants include Irgafos 168 and Irganox 565 available from Ciba-Geigy, Hawthorne, N.Y. Cutting agents such as waxes and surfactants also may be included in the adhesives.

The pressure sensitive adhesive may be applied from a solvent, emulsion or suspension, or as a hot melt. The adhesive may be applied to the inner surface of the shrink film by any known method. For example, the adhesive may be applied by die coating curtain coating, spraying, dipping, rolling, gravure or flexographic techniques. The adhesive may be applied to the shrink film in a continuous layer, a discontinuous layer or in a pattern. The pattern coated adhesive layer substantially covers the entire inner surface of the film. As used herein, “substantially covers” is intended to mean the pattern in continuous over the film surface, and is not intended to include adhesive applied only in a strip along the leading or trailing edges of the film or as a “spot weld” on the film.

In one embodiment, an adhesive deadener is applied to portions of the adhesive layer to allow the label to adhere to complex shaped articles. In one embodiment, non-adhesive material such as ink dots or microbeads are applied to at least a portion of the adhesive surface to allow the adhesive layer to slide on the surface of the article as the label is being applied and/or to allow air trapped at the interface between the label and the article to escape.

A single layer of adhesive may be used or multiple adhesive layers may be used. Depending on the shrink film used and the article or container to which the label is to be applied, it may be desirable to use a first adhesive layer adjacent to the shrink film and a second adhesive layer having a different composition on the surface to be applied to the article or container for sufficient tack, peel strength and shear strength.

In one embodiment, the pressure sensitive adhesive has sufficient shear or cohesive strength to prevent excessive shrink-back of the label where adhered to the article upon the action of heat after placement of the label on the article, sufficient peel strength to prevent the film from label from lifting from the article and sufficient tack or grab to enable adequate attachment of the label to the article during the labeling operation. In one embodiment, the adhesive moves with the label as the shrink film shrinks upon the application of heat. In another embodiment, the adhesive holds the label in position so that as the shrink film shrinks, the label does not move.

The heat shrinkable film may include other layers in addition to the monolayer or multilayer heat shrinkable polymeric film. In one embodiment, a metalized coating of a thin metal film is deposited on the surface of the polymeric film. The heat shrinkable film may also include a print layer on the polymer film. The print layer may be positioned between the heat shrink layer and the adhesive layer, or the print layer may be on the outer surface of the shrink layer. In one embodiment, the film is reverse printed with a design, image or text so that the print side of the skin is in direct contact with the container to which the film is applied. In this embodiment, the film is transparent.

The labels of the present invention may also contain a layer of an ink-receptive composition that enhances the printability of the polymeric shrink layer or metal layer if present, and the quality of the print layer thus obtained. A variety of such compositions are known in the art, and these compositions generally include a binder and a pigment, such as silica or talc, dispersed in the binder. The presence of the pigment decreases the drying time of some inks. Such ink-receptive compositions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,288 (Shih et al) and the disclosure of this patent is hereby incorporated by reference.

The print layer may be an ink or graphics layer, and the print layer may be a mono-colored or multi-colored print layer depending on the printed message and/or the intended pictorial design. These include variable imprinted data such as serial numbers, bar codes, trademarks, etc. The thickness of the print layer is typically in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 microns, and in one embodiment about 1 to about 5 microns, and in another embodiment about 3 microns. The inks used in the print layer include commercially available water-based, solvent-based or radiation-curable inks. Examples of these inks include Sun Sheen (a product of Sun Chemical identified as an alcohol dilutable polyamide ink), Suntex MP (a product of Sun Chemical identified as a solvent-based ink formulated for surface printing acrylic coated substrates, PVDC coated substrates and polyolefin films), X-Cel (a product of Water Ink Technologies identified as a water-based film ink for printing film substrates), Uvilith AR-109 Rubine Red (a product of Daw Ink identified as a UV ink) and CLA91598F (a product of Sun Chemical identified as a multibond black solvent-based ink).

In one embodiment, the print layer comprises a polyester/vinyl ink, a polyamide ink, an acrylic ink and/or a polyester ink. The print layer may be formed in the conventional manner by, for example, gravure, flexographic or UV flexographic printing or the like, an ink composition comprising a resin of the type described above, a suitable pigment or dye and one or more suitable volatile solvents onto one or more desired areas of the film. After application of the ink composition, the volatile solvent component(s) of the ink composition evaporate(s), leaving only the non-volatile ink components to form the print layer.

The adhesion of the ink to the surface of the polymeric shrink film or metal layer if present can be improved, if necessary, by techniques well known to those skilled in the art. For example, as mentioned above, an ink primer or other ink adhesion promoter can be applied to the metal layer or the polymeric film layer before application of the ink. Alternatively the surface of the polymeric film can be corona treated or flame treated to improve the adhesion of the ink to the polymeric film layer.

Useful ink primers may be transparent or opaque and the primers may be solvent based or water-based. In one embodiment, the primers are radiation curable (e.g., UV). The ink primer may comprise a lacquer and a diluent. The lacquer may be comprised of one or more polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyester copolymers, polyurethanes, polysulfones, polyvinylidine chloride, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, ionomers based on sodium or zinc salts or ethylene methacrylic acid, polymethyl methacrylates, acrylic polymers and copolymers, polycarbonates, polyacrylonitriles, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Examples of the diluents that can be used include alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol and butanol; esters such as ethyl acetate, propyl acetate and butyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as heptane; and mixtures thereof. The ratio of lacquer to diluent is dependent on the viscosity required for application of the ink primer, the selection of such viscosity being within the skill of the art. The ink primer layer may have a thickness of from about 1 to about 4 microns or from about 1.5 to about 3 microns.

A transparent polymer protective topcoat or overcoat layer may be present in the labels of the invention. The protective topcoat or overcoat layer provide desirable properties to the label before and after the label is affixed to a substrate such as a container. The presence of a transparent topcoat layer over the print layer may, in some embodiments provide additional properties such as antistatic properties stiffness and/or weatherability, and the topcoat may protect the print layer from, e.g., weather, sun, abrasion, moisture, water, etc. The transparent topcoat layer can enhance the properties of the underlying print layer to provide a glossier and richer image. The protective transparent protective layer may also be designed to be abrasion resistant, radiation resistant (e.g, UV), chemically resistant, thermally resistant thereby protecting the label and, particularly the print layer from degradation from such causes. The protective overcoat may also contain antistatic agents, or anti-block agents to provide for easier handling when the labels are being applied to containers at high speeds. The protective layer may be applied to the print layer by techniques known to those skilled in the art. The polymer film may be deposited from a solution, applied as a preformed film (laminated to the print layer), etc.

When a transparent topcoat or overcoat layer is present, it may have a single layer or a multilayered structure. The thickness of the protective layer is generally in the range of about 12.5 to about 125 microns, and in one embodiment about 25 to about 75 microns. Examples of the topcoat layers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,982 which is incorporated herein by reference.

The protective layer may comprise polyolefins, thermoplastic polymers of ethylene and propylene, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, epoxy, vinyl acetate homopolymers, co- or terpolymers, ionomers, and mixtures thereof.

The transparent protective layer may contain UV light absorbers and/or other light stabilizers. Among the UV light absorbers that are useful are the hindered amine absorbers available from Ciba Specialty Chemical under the trade designations “Tinuvin”. The light stabilizers that can be used include the hindered amine light stabilizers available from Ciba Specialty Chemical under the trade designations Tinuvin 111, Tinuvin 123, (bis-(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate; Tinuvin 622, (a dimethyl succinate polymer with 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidniethanol); Tinuvin 770 (bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-sebacate); and Tinuvin 783. Additional light stabilizers include the hindered amine light stabilizers available from Ciba Specialty Chemical under the trade designation “Chemassorb”, especially Chemassorb 119 and Chemassorb 944. The concentration of the UV light absorber and/or light stabilizer is in the range of up to about 2.5% by weight, and in one embodiment about 0.05% to about 1% by weight.

The transparent protective layer may contain an antioxidant. Any antioxidant useful in making thermoplastic films can be used. These include the hindered phenols and the organo phosphites. Examples include those available from Ciba Specialty Chemical under the trade designations Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076 or Irgafos 168. The concentration of the antioxidant in the thermoplastic film composition may be in the range of up to about 2.5% by weight, and in one embodiment about 0.05% to about 1% by weight.

A release liner may be adhered to the adhesive layer to protect the adhesive layer during transport, storage and handling prior to application of the label to a substrate. The liner allows for efficient handling of an array of individual labels after the labels are die cut and the matrix is stripped from the layer of facestock material and up to the point where the individual labels are dispensed in sequence on a labeling line. The release liner may have an embossed surface and/or have non-adhesive material, such as microbeads or printed ink dots, applied to the surface of the liner.

Process

The process of applying the labels to articles or containers involves non-traditional operations and equipment. The process begins with traditional dispensing equipment that separates the label from the release liner via a peel plate or tip that presents the label with exposed adhesive to the container or article to be decorated. Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6D, the label 62, which has a central portion 61 and a peripheral portion 63 surrounding the central portion and having an outer boundary defined by the label edges, is contacted to the container 60 initially by applying pressure to the label in the central portion. Having the initial tack point(s) 64 located in a more central portion of the label rather than on the leading edge or peripheral portion of the label facilitates a more even distribution of any darts or wrinkles formed between the leading and trailing edges of the applied label. This in turn facilitates removal of the darts or wrinkles with the application of heat.

For those articles having both compound curves and relatively planar regions, the label may be initially contacted with the container not on a compound curve, but closer to or within a relatively planar area of the container surface.

In one embodiment, the label is pre-heated to soften the shrink film and/or activate the adhesive layer.

Pressure is applied to the transferred label with a series of brushes, rollers, wipers, squeegees, pneumatic rollers, or walking beam in a center outward direction, as indicated by arrows 65, to obtain intimate contact between the label and the container or article. This process is referred to herein as “wipe down” of the label. The center to edge wiping motion forces any air trapped beneath the label to the outer edges, as indicated by arrows 66, and creates smaller, more evenly distributed darts at the edges of the label. As the label covers the complex curves of the article, excess label material accumulates in the form of darts, pleats, channeling, bubbling and other application defects generally in the peripheral portion of the label. Heat is applied to at least a portion of the label to fully and smoothly adhere the label to the container as shown in FIG. 6D.

In one embodiment, pressure is applied to the label using a walking beam system equipped with a foam roller or foam covered beam. The foam roller or beam applies downward pressure in the longitudinal direction to the central region of the label and then proceeds to the outer edges of the label, directing any air trapped under the label and the pleats, wrinkles and/or other defects to the outer edges of the label. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein container 70 having label 71 applied thereto, is positioned on lower foam block 72 a of a walking beam. Upper foam block 72 b applies downward pressure onto label 71 on container 70 to push air from under the central portion of the label to the periphery of the label as label and container are compressed between the foam blocks of the walking beam.

Once the label is applied and initial wipe down is completed, the excess label material darts and defects are eliminated by heating at least a portion the label to shrink the darts and/or wrinkles. The label may be heated via passage through a heat tunnel, forced air, steam tunnel, direct contact heat pads or forms. In one embodiment, the label is heated to a temperature of at least 40° C. In one embodiment, the label is heated to at least 60° C., or at least 70° C., or at least 80° C.

A subsequent wipe down of the label may be performed to eliminate any remaining darts or wrinkles in the label. Pressure is again applied to the label in a center outward direction to the label. The second wipe down can be performed by a series of rollers, wipers, squeegees, brushes, pneumatic rollers or a walking beam. The subsequent wipe down may be performed concurrently with the application of heat to the label, or subsequent to the application of heat.

When applying the label to an article or container, the label may be initially tacked to the article by applying pressure in a contact region of the label, and then applying pressure across the label in a direction to a first edge of the label. The contact region may be in the center of the label or may be proximate to a second edge of the label opposite to the first edge. For example, initial contact may be made in the center of the label and then pressure is applied in an outward direction to the edges or periphery of the label. Alternatively, initial contact may be made near one edge of the label and then pressure applied across the label to the opposite edge of the label. When applying the label to the article or container, it is desirable to move the excess label material, i.e., the darts or wrinkles, to at least one label edge. The excess material is typically moved in the direction of the compound curve(s), where the heat applied to the label will shrink the label and allow it to conform to the compound curve and eliminate any darts or wrinkles formed. Heat and pressure may be applied to the label simultaneously.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method of applying a label to an article includes the steps of: providing an article having a surface including at least one compound curve; providing a label including (i) a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and an outer surface; and (ii) a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film, wherein the label has a first edge and a contact region; contacting the adhesive layer in the contact region with the article; and applying heat and pressure simultaneously to the label in a direction from the contact region to the first edge such that the first edge of the label adheres to article and the label shrinks to conform to the compound curve of the article, wherein the heat and pressure are applied by a heated conformable membrane. The contact region may be located in or near the center of the label. Alternatively, the contact region may be proximate to a second edge of the label opposite the first edge.

The heated membrane may, in one embodiment, be pressed against the label on the article or container by a walking beam having a heated bladder. Referring to FIG. 8, the walking beam 80 includes a containment box 82 a, 82 b on each of its longitudinal members 81 a, 81 b, the containment box having a flexible and conformable membrane 83 a, 83 b at its inner surface to create a bladder 87 a, 87 b. The heated membrane 83 a, 83 b is positioned onto the passing labeled container 85 via a walking beam mechanism, with the container 85 in a horizontal or vertical position. The membrane may be constructed of a conformable, high temperature, non-porous high-release material. The bladder 87 a, 87 b is filled with a heated liquid or gas so as to heat the membrane 83 a, 83 b. The heat from the membrane 83 a, 83 b is transferred to the label 86 on the container 85. A label may be applied to one or both sides of the container. For the sake of simplicity, a label is applied to only one surface of the container in FIG. 8

In this method, the label 86 is first applied to a center section of the container 85 with a standard peel tip dispensing process (not shown) with leading and trailing edges not tacked down. The labeled container 85 is moved into the walking beam station 80 via a conveyor 84 and the walking beam closes in on one or more containers 85. Pressure from the heated, expanded bladder 87 a is applied to the label 86 on the container 85 at an initial contact point in the center of the label in an outward direction to the edges of the label, pushing any air under the label from the center of the label to the outer edges of the label. The bladder is pre-heated to a target temperature based on the line speed and label material used. The heat from the bladder membrane 83 a softens the label 86 and shrinks the label. The simultaneous application of heat and pressure from the bladder membrane 83 a to the label forces the label to conform to the surface of the container 85, including the compound curve(s) of the container. An optional subsequent heating step may be used to further shrink the label. An advantage of this method is that labels may be applied to a wide variety of container shapes without the need for retooling. In addition, high speed processing is possible due to the continuous heat recovery of the bladder.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherein a walking beam with a heated cavity is used to apply the label to the article or container. For illustration purposes, only one side of the walking beam conveyor is shown. The walking beam containment box 90 includes an internally heated bottle-shaped cavity 91. The shape of the cavity 91 is configured to correspond to the container or article 92 to which the label 93 is applied. The cavity is preheated to a target temperature based on the line speed and label material selected. The heated cavity is positioned onto the passing labeled container via a walking beam conveyor. The walking beam may contain a single or multiple cavities for applying heat and pressure to a single or multiple containers. The labeled surface of the container 92 faces the interior of the cavity 91. The interior of the cavity 91 may be lined with a conformable, soft material such as a silicon rubber sheet having imbedded electric heater wires vulcanized in place. Heat and pressure from the cavity 91 softens the label 93 and shrinks the label. Pressure applied by the soft cavity forces air from under the label to the edges of the label to eliminate bubbles. The simultaneous application of heat and pressure from the heated cavity to the label 93 forces the label to conform to the surface of the container, including the compound curve(s) of the container. The excess label material, i.e., darts and wrinkles, are eliminated by the shrinkage of the label. An optional subsequent heating step may be used to further shrink the label. The advantage of this method is that the exact shape of the cavity provides full bottle contact to enable rapid heat transfer and fill pressure to force air out from under the label.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention for applying labels to a container having compound curves. In this embodiment, a walking beam containment box 100 includes an internally heated soft, flexible pad 101 suspended between at least two frame members 102 as its contact surface. For illustration purposes, only one side of the walking beam conveyor is shown. The heated pad 101 is positioned onto the passing labeled containers via a walking beam conveyor in either the vertical or horizontal direction. The label 104 is first applied to a contact point on the container with a standard peel tip dispensing process (not shown) with the leading and trailing edges of the label not tacked down. The container 103 with the label adhered thereto is moved into the walking beam station via a conveyor and the walking beam moves inward to enclose the container. The heated, flexible pad 101 is positioned to push the label 104 toward the container while removing air from under the label. The pad 101 is pre-heated to a target temperature based on the line speed and label material selected. The heated pad may be porous or non-porous. The simultaneous application of heat and pressure from the heated pad 101 to the label 104 forces the label to conform to the surface of the container, including the compound curve(s) of the container. The heat source may be one or more of radiant electric, IR electric, forced hot air and electric resistance heat integrated with the heated pad. An optional subsequent heating step may be used to further shrink the label. An advantage of this method includes the ability to apply labels to a wide variety of container shapes without the need for retooling.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherein a walking beam conveyor includes a rectangular framed containment box 110 having a flexible heated membrane mounted to the rectangular frame. In this embodiment, an extensible, internally heated membrane 111, such as a silicone rubber sheet, is mounted over an open rectangular frame 112 along each side of a walking beam conveyor. For illustration purposes, only one side of the walking beam conveyor is shown. A label may be applied to one or both sides of the container 113. The label 114 is first applied to a contact point on the container with a standard peel tip dispensing process (not shown) with the leading and trailing edges of the label not tacked down. The membrane 111 is mounted so that tension is applied across the membrane. The perimeter dimensions of the rectangular frame 111 are larger than the overall profile of the container 113 to be labeled. In one embodiment, the depth of the frame is greater than one-half the thickness of the container to be labeled to allow the container to penetrate the plane of the membrane. The open/close motion of the walking beam provides sufficient force to trap the container 113 between a supported membrane 111 on each side of the walking beam, or one side of the walking beam, to force the container 113 into the frame 112 while the heated membrane 111 conforms to the surface of the container 113. The membrane is pre-heated to a target temperature based on the line speed and label material selected. The dwell time of the closed walking beam can be controlled through the walking beam station by the design of the cam system. The walking beam may contain a plurality of rectangular frames to apply labels to a plurality of containers. As the walking beam opens and reciprocates, the labeled container may optionally be enclosed within the membranes of the walking beam a second time for a second application of heat and pressure. The simultaneous application of heat and pressure from the membrane 111 to the label 114 forces the label to conform to the surface of the container 113, including the compound curve(s) of the container. An optional subsequent heating step may be used to further shrink the label 114. The advantage of this embodiment is that the generic shape of the rectangular frame allows containers having various shapes to be labeled without the necessity of providing unique frames.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an embodiment that is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. In this embodiment, an extensible, internally heated membrane 121, such as a silicone rubber sheet, is mounted over an open frame 122 along each side of a walking beam conveyor 120. For illustration purposes, only one side of the walking beam conveyor is shown. The dimensions of the frame 121 are configured to correspond to the overall profile of the container 123 to be labeled and are slightly larger to allow space for the membrane as it is pushed into the frame 122. The membrane 121 is mounted so that tension is applied across the membrane. In one embodiment, the depth of the frame is greater than one-half the thickness of the container to be labeled to allow the container to penetrate the plane of the membrane. The open/close motion of the walking beam provides sufficient force to trap the container 123 between a supported membrane 121 on each side of the walking beam, or one side of the walking beam, to force the container 123 into the frame 122 while the heated membrane 121 conforms to the surface of the container 123. The membrane is pre-heated to a target temperature based on the line speed and label material selected. The dwell time of the closed walking beam can be controlled through the walking beam station by the design of the cam system. The walking beam may contain a plurality of shaped frames to apply labels to a plurality of similarly shaped containers. As the walking beam opens and reciprocates, the labeled container may optionally be enclosed within the membranes of the walking beam a second time for a second application of heat and pressure. The simultaneous application of heat and pressure from the membrane 121 to the label 124 forces the label to conform to the surface of the container 123, including the compound curve(s) of the container. An optional subsequent heating step may be used to further shrink the label. An advantage of this embodiment is that the shaped frame enables better conformability to the contours around the top and bottom of the containers.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a walking beam includes a flexible porous mesh that is externally heated with hot air. In this embodiment, a walking beam containment box 130 includes an externally heated soft, flexible mesh or fabric 131 suspended between at least two frame members 132 as its contact surface. For illustration purposes, only one side of the walking beam conveyor is shown. The heated mesh is positioned onto the passing labeled containers via a walking beam conveyor in the horizontal direction. The label 136 is first applied to a contact point or region on the container with a standard peel tip dispensing process (not shown) with the leading and trailing edges of the label not tacked down. The container 135 with the label adhered thereto is moved into the walking beam station via a conveyor and the walking beam moves inward to enclose the container. The heated, flexible mesh 131 is positioned to push the label 136 toward the container while removing air from under the label. The mesh 131 is heated to a target temperature with a source of hot air 134 based on the line speed and label material selected. The hot air from the hot air source 134 is blown through the pores 133 of the mesh to heat the label on the container 135. The mesh may be constructed, for example, from a mesh screen, a non-woven fabric or a thin, porous foam sheeting. The simultaneous application of heat and pressure from the heated mesh to the label forces the label to conform to the surface of the container, including the compound curve(s) of the container. An optional subsequent heating step may be used to further shrink the label 136. The advantages of this method include excellent contact with the container and heat transfer from the heated air to the labeled container. This method enables very good recovery of heat and recovery of the shape of the mesh. This embodiment may be used on a variety of container shapes and is able to achieve higher temperatures based on the thermal stability of the mesh material.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an embodiment of the invention wherein a walking beam 140 includes one or more containment boxes, each having an expandable membrane 142 as its contact surface to create an expandable bladder 143. For illustration purposes, only one side of the walking beam conveyor is shown. The heated membrane 143 is positioned onto the passing labeled container 145 via a walking beam mechanism, with the container 145 in a horizontal or vertical position. The membrane may be constructed of a conformable, high temperature, non-porous high-release material. The bladder 143 is filled with a heated liquid or gas so as to heat the membrane 142. The heat from the membrane 142 is transferred to the label 146 on the container 145. A label may be applied to one or both sides of the container. A label may be applied to one or both sides of the container.

In this method, the label 146 is first applied to a center section of the container 145 with a standard peel tip dispensing process (not shown) with leading and trailing edges not tacked down. The labeled container 145 is moved into the walking beam station 140 via a conveyor and the walking beam closes in on one or more containers 145. Pressure from the heated, expanded bladder 143 is applied to the label 146 on the container 145 at a contact point in the center of the label in an outward direction to the edges of the label, pushing any air under the label from the center of the label to the outer edges of the label. The expandable bladder is pre-heated to a target temperature based on the line speed and label material used. The heat from the bladder membrane 142 softens the label 146 and shrinks the label. The simultaneous application of heat and pressure from the bladder membrane 142 to the label forces the label to conform to the surface of the container, including the compound curve(s) of the container. An optional subsequent heating step may be used to further shrink the label. The advantages of this method include the application of labels to a wide variety of container shapes without the need for retooling. In addition, high speed processing is possible due to the continuous heat recovery of the bladder. Another advantage is that the application of heat and pressure in a center outward direction in both the vertical and horizontal direction assures proper label application without generating label defects. Furthermore, due to the limited number of moving mechanical components, low maintenance is required.

The labeled article of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to personal care products, household chemical products, food and beverages, toys, electronics, pharmaceuticals, health care products, industrial products and appliances.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are intended only to illustrate methods and embodiments in accordance with the invention, and as such should not be construed as imposing limitations upon the claims.

Example 1

A pressure sensitive shrink label is constructed from a 3 mil thick low density polyethylene multilayer shrink film designated CorrTuff from Sealed Air. The film is coated with an acrylic emulsion adhesive S692N from Avery Dennison. The adhesive is carried on a paper Glassine BG-40 silicone coated release liner. The label is oversized, having the dimensions of approximately 5×3.5 inches, which is 20% greater than the industry standard recommended label size for the bottle to which the label is applied.

A 15 oz Johnson & Johnson Baby Lotion bottle having compound curves is filled with water, capped and processed through a Label-Aire 9000 series labeler at 100 bottles per minute (BPM). The labeler has dual-feed screws with matched speed top and lower belts with Label-Aire 2115-CD labeler heads with high torque stepper motor drive. The labels are pressed down with a walking beam type wipe down apparatus providing straight out, center outward forces to direct the trapped air beneath the label and resultant dart/pleat defects to the edge of the label. The oversized label as applied to the bottle initially results in unacceptable small darts and pleat defects around the perimeter of the label. The labeled bottle is then processed through a Leister hot forced air, conveyor wipe down system at 100 bpm. High velocity 260° C. hot air heats the bottle and label to 50° C., shrinking and taking up the excess label material darts and pleats down to the bottle surface. The label is wiped down with a walking beam for good label contact. The darts shrink and are easily wiped flat after application of heat.

The finished labeled bottle with larger label area and larger graphics content is smoothly wiped down without the darts, pleats, ridges or wrinkle defects present in typical pressure sensitive oversized labels. The darts do not return upon aging. Table 1 below shows the properties of the label components.

Example 2

In accordance with the process described in Example 1, a pressure sensitive shrink label constructed from a 2 mil thick polypropylene multilayer shrink film designated CZPA 200 from Innovia is applied to the bottle having compound curves. After initial wipe down, medium sized darts are formed. High velocity hot air heats the bottle and label to 100° C. The darts shrink and are easily wiped flat after application of heat. The darts do not return after aging.

Example 3

In accordance with the process described in Example 1, a pressure sensitive shrink label constructed from a 2 mil thick polylactic acid single layer shrink film designated EARTHFIRST PLA from Plastic Suppliers is applied to the bottle having compound curves. After initial wipe down, medium sized darts are formed. High velocity hot air heats the bottle and label to 70° C. The darts shrink and are easily wiped flat after application of heat. The darts do not return after aging.

Comparative Example 4

In accordance with the process described in Example 1, a pressure sensitive shrink label constructed from a 2 mil thick machine direction oriented polypropylene single layer roll-on-shrink-on film from Avery Dennison is applied to the bottle having compound curves. High velocity hot air heats the bottle and label to 70° C. The darts formed at the top and bottom of the label shrink upon application of heat and are easily wiped down, while the darts formed at the leading and trailing edges remain. The removed darts do not return upon aging.

Comparative Example 5

In accordance with the process described in Example 1, a pressure sensitive shrink label constructed from a 1.9 mil thick transverse direction oriented polyvinyl chloride single layer film designated Penta Label from Kloeckner is applied to the bottle having compound curves. High velocity hot air heats the bottle and label to 60° C. The darts formed at the leading and trailing edges of the label shrink upon application of heat and are easily wiped down, while the darts formed at the top and bottom of the label remain. The removed darts do not return upon aging.

Comparative Example 6

In accordance with the process described in Example 1, a pressure sensitive shrink label constructed from a 2 mil thick transverse direction oriented glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) single layer film designated Fusion 1775E from Mitsubishi is applied to the bottle having compound curves. High velocity hot air heats the bottle and label to 50° C. The darts formed at the leading and trailing edges of the label shrink upon application of heat and are easily wiped down, while the darts formed at the top and bottom of the label remain. The removed darts do not return upon aging.

Comparative Example 7

In accordance with the process described in Example 1, a pressure sensitive shrink label constructed from a 1.4 mil thick machine direction oriented polyvinyl chloride single layer film designated MF-L243/01 from Kloechner is applied to the bottle having compound curves. High velocity hot air heats the bottle and label to 60° C. The film does not conform to the container. Initial wipe down is poor with many darts formed in all directions. The darts and ridges remain after the application of heat and a second wipe down. The film exhibits excessive shrink back.

Comparative Example 8

In accordance with the process described in Example 1, a pressure sensitive shrink label constructed from a 2.0 mil thick polypropylene multilayer film designated BTNY from Vifan is applied to the bottle having compound curves. High velocity hot air heats the bottle and label to 100° C. The darts formed do not shrink completely at high temperature and do not entirely wipe down flat. The darts return upon aging.

Comparative Example 9

In accordance with the process described in Example 1, a pressure sensitive shrink label constructed from a 3.4 mil thick medium density polyethylene (MDPE) multilayer film designated PE 85 from Charter Films is applied to the bottle having compound curves. High velocity hot air heats the bottle and label to 100° C. The darts formed do not shrink completely at high temperature and do not entirely wipe down flat. The darts return upon aging.

TABLE Film Ult Tensile Ex. Grade Polymer Construction Process Suppliers Gauge (PSI) 1 CorrTuff LDPE single layer double Sealed Air 3.0 10,000 MD bubble 20,000 CD 2 CZPA 200 PP multi-layer double Innovia 2.0 20,000 MD bubble 22,000 CD 3 EARTHFIRST Poly Lactic single layer blown Plastic 2.0  8,000 MD PLA Acid Suppliers  8,000 CD Comp. 4 Med Shrink PP single layer MDO Avery PPD 2.0 — ROSO Film Comp. 5 Penta Label PVC single layer TDO Kloeckner 1.9  7,200 MD 2.0 mil OT- 16,900 CD M276/41, 71/9400, GLGL Comp. 6 Fusion 2.0 mil PETG single layer TDO Mitsubishi 2.0  7,250 MD 1775E 29,000 CD Comp. 7 MF-L243/01 PVC single layer MDO Kloechner 1.4 — WHT 03/402-B Comp. 8 BTNY PP multi-layer tenter Vifan 2.0 40,000 MD 20,000 CD Comp. 9 PE 85 MDPE multi-layer blown Charter 3.4  3,000 MD Films  3,500 CD Modulus L&W Stiffness Shrink: Shrink: Ex. (PSI) (mN) MD TD Adhesive Liner 1  30,000 MD 26 MD 40% (106 C.) 49% (106 C.) S692N BG40  30,000 CD 24 CD 70% (120 C.) 69% (120 C.) glassine 2 100,000 MD 24 MD 10% (106 C.)  0% (106 C.) S692N 1.2 mil 130,000 CD 18 CD 14% (120 C.) 10% (120 C.) PET 3 300,000 MD 44 MD  7% (106 C.) 12% (106 C.) S692N 1.2 mil 300,000 CD 60 CD  8% (120 C.) 14% (120 C.) PET Comp. 4 200,000 MD 30 MD 14% (106 C.)  0% (106 C.) S692N 1.2 mil 123,000 CD 26 CD 23% (120 C.)  0% (120 C.) PET Comp. 5 — 52 MD  4% (106 C.) 56% (106 C.) S692N BG40 36 CD glassine Comp. 6 — 70 MD  6% (106 C.) 66% (106 C.) S692N BG40 30 CD glassine Comp. 7 220,000 MD — 41% (106 C.)  0% (106 C.) S3506 1.2 mil 150,000 CD 45% (120 C.) +3% (120 C.) PET Comp. 8 — 35 MD  2% (106 C.)  0% (106 C.) S692N BG40 65 CD  2% (120 C.)  2% (120 C.) glassine Comp. 9  75,000 MD 40 MD  0% (106 C.)  0% (106 C.) S692N BG40  60,000 CD 50 CD  4% (120 C.)  0% (120 C.) glassine

While the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it is to be under stood that the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A system for applying a label to an article, the system comprising: a) a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a layer of adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film, wherein the film can be converted into a label said film working in cooperation with an apparatus; b) the apparatus comprising a conformable membrane that contacts a label comprising said heat shrinkable film such that the adhesive layer adheres the label to the article.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the film is further provided with a release liner adhered to the adhesive layer.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the heat shrinkable film comprises a film selected from polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, copolymers thereof and blends thereof.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the heat shrinkable film comprises a polyolefin.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the stiffness of the film is at least 5 mN in the machine direction.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the label further comprises a print layer between the heat shrinkable film and the adhesive layer, wherein the heat shrinkable film is transparent.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the label further comprises a print layer on the outer surface of the heat shrinkable film.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the label further comprises a protective layer overlying the print layer.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer comprises an emulsion adhesive.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer comprises a hot melt adhesive.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer comprises a solvent based adhesive.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer is continuous.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer is patterned and the pattern substantially covers the inner surface of the film.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein the heat shrinkable film has a machine direction and a transverse direction, the film having an ultimate shrinkage S in at least one direction of at least 10% at 90° C., wherein the shrinkage in the other direction is S±20%.
 16. The system of claim 1 wherein the conformable membrane comprises a bladder.
 17. The system of claim 1 wherein the conformable membrane is heated.
 18. The system of claim 1 wherein the conformable membrane is part of a walking beam.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the walking beam comprises a heated cavity wherein the shape of the cavity corresponds to the shape of the article to which the label is applied.
 20. The system of claim 18 wherein the walking beam comprises a flexible membrane suspended between at least two frame members.
 21. The system of claim 18 wherein the walking beam comprises a flexible membrane mounted to a rectangular frame.
 22. The system of claim 18 wherein the walking beam comprises a flexible membrane mounted to a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the article to which the label is applied.
 23. The system of claim 18 wherein the walking beam comprising a flexible porous mesh suspended between at least two frame members.
 24. The system of claim 17 wherein the conformable membrane is a bladder.
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein the bladder is part of a walking beam. 